The Conservative Cave

The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: SaintLouieWoman on September 30, 2008, 08:17:16 AM

Title: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: SaintLouieWoman on September 30, 2008, 08:17:16 AM
Last night we took Darlene and Xena to the vet to be microchipped. My ex used to think it was sort of a conspiracy and would never have it done.  :whatever: I'm just glad that if the girls ever get out, we'll have a better chance of their return.

I've heard the stories of the chips migrating in their bodies, but hope it isn't true. Blue was upset, as he didn't go to the vet with us. We lured him into the back yard and hurried the girls into the back of the station wagon. He was looking in through the glass door with the silliest expression on his face. His ears were up like bat ears. Blue clearly thought he lost out on a greyt trip.

The day before the 3 hounds went with us to a greyhound picnic/reunion. They probably thought this trip would be a greyt treat. Actually, it was for Darlene. She's so bouncy that she just loves going anywhere that has people who will pat her on the head.

Darlene did her usual, putting her paws on the front desk, looking for attention and dog treats.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Woody on September 30, 2008, 08:30:18 AM
I chip all my pets.  If it does migrate, it won't go far (unless you have an Irish Wolfhound :p), and the sensor will find it. 

I know a few folks who've had their pets returned because of the chip. 
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: asdf2231 on September 30, 2008, 08:35:56 AM
My wife is a vet SLW (Or used to be before she started working as a pathologist)

It's a VERY good thing.

Most of the humane society and rescue places have chip readers.

I wish we had had one in Eddie when he took his walkabout this spring.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Odin's Hand on September 30, 2008, 08:36:08 AM
My uncle had it done with his Catahoula and Dogo. He did it so they could track them if they get lost in the swamps and bogs, because, he has dumped a bunch of money into their training.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: asdf2231 on September 30, 2008, 08:42:01 AM
Wait... Are we talking an ID chip or some kind of doggie lo-jack?
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Odin's Hand on September 30, 2008, 08:45:27 AM
Wait... Are we talking an ID chip or some kind of doggie lo-jack?

It has a RFID transponder circuited into it.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: SaintLouieWoman on September 30, 2008, 08:55:08 AM
I'm still wondering if we did the right thing not getting Blue chipped. He's 9 1/2 years old now and not very fast. When the poor pooch tries to run with the two females, too often he falls on his rear. I'm hoping we can catch him if he were to get out.

One time he got out but came back the minute I saw him out. The rescue groups make you swear on a stack of Bibles that you will never let them out off lead. Their problem is they're so darned fast and most have a high prey drive. If they're chasing a bunny, they just focus on the prey and wouldn't notice a car coming.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: SaintLouieWoman on September 30, 2008, 08:57:33 AM
My wife is a vet SLW (Or used to be before she started working as a pathologist)

It's a VERY good thing.

Most of the humane society and rescue places have chip readers.

I wish we had had one in Eddie when he took his walkabout this spring.

We didn't go to our regular vet. A local greyhound rescue group had a greyhound gathering Sunday. I "won" a basket in a silent auction that was a good deal. I only had to pay $15 and got a certificate for a $50 chipping, plus a nice autographed book on greyhounds (and a very nice basket).

I had "won" a basket last year, but kept forgetting to get it done. This time we were able to get both done at the same time.

This vet claims that some of the chips can't be read by all readers. They gave us the "Home Again" chips. The other one they use is Avid. They said that Banfield (at Petsmart) has a chip that isn't easily read.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: DumbAss Tanker on September 30, 2008, 09:09:15 AM
Sure, it SOUNDS like a great idea, right up until somebody sends out the "Kill the humans" signal.... 
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: asdf2231 on September 30, 2008, 09:55:38 AM
Sure, it SOUNDS like a great idea, right up until somebody sends out the "Kill the humans" signal.... 

H5 for the belly laugh!!! :-)
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: whiffleball on September 30, 2008, 10:38:25 AM
I'm glad you started this thread so I could see some takes on chipping.  My new little rescue was chipped when I adopted him.  He's fast and an escape artist, so it looks like a good thing.  I'd never chipped my other dogs and just hope this one is never needed.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Woody on September 30, 2008, 01:02:42 PM
Apparently there are at least two brands/types of chips out there.  (I'm passing along what I heard from a volunteer at the local shelters.)  Most large places will have both readers, but most vets or small shelters won't. 

Regardless, it's a good idea.  We got a great rescue dog who was well trained, obedient, friendly, and easy-going.  Had the previous owners chipped him, they might still have him. 
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 01:15:55 PM
Both of our rescue Westies are chipped, and I think that it is good insurance.  Our vet reads the chip as a part of their check-up every time they go, just to be certain that they still are working properly.

doc
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Shamrock on September 30, 2008, 03:02:30 PM
I've heard good and bad things about the chip.  This guy had his pedigree chipped but he got out.  He sent out fliers, checked with pounds and everything.  But when the dog was finally found, he'd been to a pound(they didn't find the chip, it migrated to his tail), neutered, and adopted out to a family.  I guess the dog was a champion and breeder. 

I guess to be sure, is to let ppl know including the pound that your pet has the chip and check thoroughly of any pet matching yours.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: SaintLouieWoman on September 30, 2008, 06:36:46 PM
I've heard good and bad things about the chip.  This guy had his pedigree chipped but he got out.  He sent out fliers, checked with pounds and everything.  But when the dog was finally found, he'd been to a pound(they didn't find the chip, it migrated to his tail), neutered, and adopted out to a family.  I guess the dog was a champion and breeder. 

I guess to be sure, is to let ppl know including the pound that your pet has the chip and check thoroughly of any pet matching yours.

They also gave us a tag that has the phone number to the chip company on it.

What a shame for a champion dog.

I had a keeshond that I adopted from a rescue group. She had a chip but there were no readers that could read the thing. I got her the day she was scheduled to be put down.

I've never had a dog chipped before.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 06:45:31 PM
I never thought of those chips moving around in the pups but
hopefully it won't be an issue.
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Miss Mia on September 30, 2008, 09:49:08 PM
I have cats and neither are chipped.  They'd be too scared if they ever did make it outside they wouldn't get far.

If I had gotten a dog, like I was thinking about, I would have most definitely gotten him/her chipped.  It's good insurance, in case they do accidentally get out there's a much higher chance you'd get him/her back. 
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Miss Mia on September 30, 2008, 10:22:22 PM
I have cats and neither are chipped.  They'd be too scared if they ever did make it outside they wouldn't get far.

I thought the same thing about one of my old cats before... than one day...  :(


Well, I have to say Mia would easily find a new family.  She has no loyalty to me, if someone comes over she loooooooves them way more than me.  But Monty, that little booger would be too scared.  They never leave the house.  A couple of weeks ago Monty made it two feet on the deck (I was taking out the trash and didn't close the door all the way) and once I said "GET BACK IN THAT HOUSE" he did.  :)
Title: Re: Microchipping your pets---good or bad?
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2008, 11:18:38 PM
The real question should be whether you should microchip your kids.  If I had kids you damn well better believe I would chip their asses.

And I would have them start working at 16 to pay for the removal of the chip at 18.